Need some major help (18 posts)

I have installed WordPress (was easy since it was a once click install from my host, DreamHost). I am now realizing how difficult the rest of this is going to be. I am hoping someone can talk to me via Yahoo Messenger about some of the many questions I have. I am on Yahoo 80% of the time so if you wouldnt mind lending me a huge hand in answering some of my questions I would greatly appreciate it. My Yahoo profile name is jayson_co.

I like the layout of it. I have looked over many of the WordPress Templates that are avaliable to download, but I dont know if any are better to mess around with to get a similar look to the above site or not. I am leaning towards templates like China Red and Connections if I cannot find one that would offer a similar layout.

I guess I need help figuring out how to install a new template (if this is te best spot to start???). How difficult is it to install a new template? Do you recommend any FTP program over another?

I guess my other immediate questions that pop into my head are my MYSQL database <----- got no clue what that even is.
Also what do i need to do with RSS - also got no clue about this either.

I knew I was tackling a big job creating my first blog, which is also my first website altogether. I appreciate any help anyone can lend me.

First up Welcome to WordPress. It can look neat right out of the box or with a good theme installed. What you want is a bit more advanced. It might be a good time to learn. Many folks use WP as a tool to get into html, CSS and then php.
Realistically it is going to take time, and a lot of application. Sometimes new guys say *I want a blog like this* and the url is a 10 year experienced web designer.
There are short cuts. There are folk willing to help. You could get your blog running then have a development install as well for hacking about in. Good luck.

Thank you. I am doing it for the reason you describe - a good reason to get into html, CSS, and php.

I am in no rush to have my site be as in depth as my insipration by tomorrow. I realize this a going to be a LONG process. I have been a graphic designer for 6 plus years, but have been only involved in print. Creating my own site, and being able to tweek and learn on it, was what I thought would be the best route to learning web design.

I guess I am just looking to get up something that is similar in "bones" to the site I posted - learn what the "things" are in WordPress - like my MySQL database, RSS (Entries and Comments) and any other side things that would be helpful.

Once I got up a "functioning" blog. The look and feel can move along more slowly.